Please spread this around.

The Tenant's Union of Victoria is being shafted by the Sinister of Consumer Affairs to the tune of $100,000 per annum from their funding. Apparently the Sinister's office (whoever that is) told the TU that the advice from Consumer Affairs Victoria was that "it was the right thing to do".

Defunding of outreach to rooming house and caravan park residents - no advocacy to eastern and southern suburban tenants - sacking of two TU staff members - "the right thing to do".

The union asks that people respond to the Sinister of Consumer Affairs. They have provided a draft letter at their website -


It hardly needs to be said that at this time when the rental "market" is as fucked up as it is, with housing prices through the roof (no pun) and rents following suite, (not to mention the Rudd "War on Inflation" being celebrated for its depression of the building industry thus further decreasing supply) this is about as savage a kick to the groin as low income earners (the unemployed, pensioners, sole parents, part time workers, the working poor etc.) and renters can get.

Funny how the TU falls under the auspices of Consumer Affairs. We "consume" housing now, rather than actually live in it.